Latest news with #Hornets
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Watford aiming to continue impressive opening day record
The start of the new season may still be six weeks away but the publication of Watford's fixtures means fans can now start planning for the campaign ahead – although it's wise not to finalise anything just yet until the TV selections have been announced. One game where arrangements can safely be made though, is for the first game of the new Championship campaign when the Hornets will travel to Charlton Athletic on Saturday, August 9. Advertisement Mileta Rajovic celebrates his late winner at Millwall last season to continue Watford's impressive run of opening-day results. (Image: PA) It will mean a morning trip south of the Thames for away fans after Sky Sports decided the prospect of a new Watford head coach coming up against a newly-promoted club in the opening game was attractive enough for live broadcast in one of the 12.30pm kick-off slots. Paulo Pezzolano will, of course, be aiming to start his Vicarage Road tenure with three points but the visitors will also be seeking to extend an impressive record on the opening day of the season. As we reported when the fixtures were published, the Hornets have won their last five matches on the first day. Look back further though, and Watford's record is only one defeat in the last 18 opening day fixtures they've played. Supporters could have been forgiven for fearing the worse when Aidy Boothroyd's side headed to Molineux for the start of the 2007/08 campaign as the Hornets had lost their previous seven opening-day matches. Advertisement It looked like those fears were well founded when Wolves took the lead and remained in front until three minutes from time when Jordan Stewart equalised before Marlon King scored a late winner from the penalty spot. Danny Graham scored twice in the victory at Carrow Road where Troy Deeney made his Watford debut (Image: Action Images) Draws followed in the opening game of the next two seasons - 0-0 at Crystal Palace and 1-1 at home to Doncaster Rovers – before Watford kicked off 2010/11 with a memorable 3-2 triumph at Norwich City thanks to a John Eustace goal and a brace from Danny Graham. That victory also saw a new signing come on in the second half to make his debut for the visitors. Troy Deeney was also a second-half substitute on the opening day of the following season when the Hornets led 2-0 at Burnley through goals from Craig Forsyth and Mark Yeates, only to be pegged back to a 2-2 draw. Fast forward 12 months and Watford had new owners, the Pozzo era getting underway with another memorable 3-2 away triumph, this time at Selhurst Park when Gianfranco Zola's new-look Hornets were heading for defeat against Crystal Palace until Almen Abdi and Matej Vydra dramatically turned the game late on. Advertisement Matej Vydra's late winner ensured Watford made a winning start to the Pozzo era in the league (Image: Action Images) Deeney delivered at his boyhood club on the opening day of 2013/14, securing a 1-0 victory at Birmingham City, and was on target again a year later – along with Vydra and Fernando Forestieri – as Bolton Wanderers were seen off 3-0 at Vicarage Road at the start of a season that would end with promotion to the Premier League. Watford's return to the big time started with a 2-2 draw at Everton – Miguel Layun and Odion Igahlo twice putting the visitors in front at Goodison Park, only for the hosts to equalise for a second time in the 86th minute. The next two seasons also started with draws – 1-1 at Southampton and an action-packed 3-3 stalemate against Liverpool at Vicarage Road – before a Roberto Pereyra double fired the Hornets to a 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on the first day of the 2018/19 campaign. Mileta Rajovic grabbed a dramatic opening-day success for the Hornets last season (Image: PA) The Seagulls again visited Vicarage Road at the start of the following season, but the tables were turned as they won 3-0 to end their opponents' 12-year unbeaten record on the opening day. Advertisement The current five-year winning sequence began in the Championship in 2020/21 with a 1-0 home win over Middlesbrough, but Watford were back in the Premier League a year later and started the season with another exciting 3-2 opening-day win – this time against Aston Villa at Vicarage Road. It has been the Championship ever since for the Hornets but each season has started with three points – 1-0 at home to Sheffield United in 2022/23, the emphatic 4-0 victory over QPR 12 months later before Mileta Rajovic's late winner secured Watford's latest 3-2 opening-day triumph, this time at Millwall.
NBC Sports
16 hours ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Knicks coaching search update: Kidd not leaving Dallas, James Borrego to interview in New York
The Knicks' coaching search continues to crawl along with another former head coach, James Borrego, set to be interviewed. And if any Knicks fans (or people in their front office) were hoping the Jason Kidd situation in Dallas might change, Nico Harrison squashed that like a cockroach this week. This weekend, the Knicks will interview former Hornets and current Pelicans assistant coach James Borrego, a story broken by James Edwards III of The Athletic and confirmed by multiple other Knicks reporters. Borrego has the reputation of a creative, analytics-driven offensive coach, which would be a change in style from the coach he is interviewing to replace, Tom Thibodeau. While Borrego compiled a 138-163 record in four seasons with Charlotte, that undersells the job he did with a rebuilding roster. It felt like he had the team maybe turning a corner, the Hornets appeared to get better each year and won 43 games his final season (which did not make the playoffs in the East that year). Borrego is also a CAA client, the firm where Knicks president Leon Rose had worked. The Knicks have previously interviewed former Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins, former Cavaliers/Lakers/Kings coach Mike Brown, and Timberwolves lead assistant Mikah Nori for the job. One guy the Knicks will not interview is Jason Kidd. New York reached out to Dallas with a request to interview Kidd several weeks ago and was shot down, but that was not enough to kill the rumors. The theory went that Kidd really, secretly, wanted the Knicks job — despite the Mavericks just landing Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick — and he would pressure Dallas to change its mind. Those rumors were presented to Mavericks GM Nico Harrison hours after they selected Flagg, and he seemed surprised that anyone thought that, and then he officially and unequivocally crushed them, as quoted by Christian Clark at The Athletic. 'Are there rumors still out there about J-Kidd?' Harrison said. 'I thought I shut them down. Yes, he will be the coach next year.' Can we move on now? Borrego is now the betting favorite to replace Thibodeau, but there is no clear frontrunner yet. Whoever gets the job will have tough shoes to fill because in his five years at the helm of the Knicks Thibodeau led the team to the playoffs for times — the same number of playoff appearances the team had in the 20 years prior to him becoming coach — and the team's first Western Conference Finals in 25 years. There was a segment of Knicks nation, and apparently a large segment of the Knicks front office, who thought Thibodeau's message and style had worn out in the locker room and he had taken them as far as he could. The idea was that if the Knicks wanted to win a title, they needed a new coach. However, Thibodeau was fired without an upgrade in the wings, or even really a succession plan. So the process continues as we are three days away from the start of free agency.
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sixers, Spurs highlight biggest winners of 2025 NBA Draft
The post Sixers, Spurs highlight biggest winners of 2025 NBA Draft appeared first on ClutchPoints. ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas perfectly summed up the NBA Draft after the first round concluded on Wednesday: history will remember it as a coronation for No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, but there are several players in this class who will leave their mark in The Association. The Dallas Mavericks stumbled into the top spot, winning the sweepstakes that the league's cellar dwellers had been yearning for during these last several months. Advertisement Considering the whirlwind of vitriol that swallowed general manager Nico Harrison and the franchise, this dramatic turn of events will rightly command most of the public's attention. Flagg's superb skill set and outstanding accomplishments only accentuate that fact. But despite their GM's highly questionable 'fortune favors the bold comment,' the Mavs did not have to do anything of skill to bring about this momentous occasion. Thus, I cannot crown them a draft winner. There are other squads that, while also benefiting from a favorable bounce in the lottery, made shrewd moves and judgements that enabled them to come away with a promising haul on paper. While I am personally high on Flagg, I am going to temporarily pull the spotlight away from him and shine it on some other franchises and prospects who enjoyed their own big night in Barclays Center. Let's take a look at the biggest winners in the 2025 NBA Draft. Honorable Mention: Hornets Although I recognize the pure shooting ability that Kon Knueppel displayed in his lone season at Duke, Tre Johnson felt like the higher upside prospect at No. 4. The Texas star needs to improve his decision-making, but he oozes potential. That being said, Knueppel provides a vital trait that the Charlotte Hornets desperately require: long-range firepower. Advertisement The Second-Team All-ACC selection shot 40.6 percent from 3-point land last season, which should allow him to quickly earn an important role with the team. Charlotte kept things interesting by trading up to grab UConn standout Liam McNeeley at No. 29. The Big East Freshman of the Year is raw, but many expected him to come off the board a bit earlier. The Hornets are counting on him to fulfill his five-star recruit status. They also opted for more immediate production by drafting experienced center Ryan Kalkbrenner, who will try to fill the void left by Mark Williams' departure. He could add solid rim-protection and welcome floor-spacing with a competent 3-point stroke. Sion James, Knueppel's Duke teammate, adds on-ball defense and a decent shot. Overall, this franchise did enough positive things to earn a shoutout here. The 76ers are looking mighty intriguing after an eventful NBA Draft Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images It seems borderline negligent to express overwhelming optimism about the Philadelphia 76ers after their disastrous 2024-25 season. They went all in on Paul George in free agency and paid dearly for it. Injuries plagued the entire core trio, limiting Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and George to a combined 112 games. Who is to say the Sixers' horrible luck will improve going forward? Advertisement Well, even if it doesn't, polarizing president of basketball operations Daryl Morey is positioning the franchise for a bright future. He used the No. 3 overall pick on VJ Edgecombe, arguably the best athlete in the 2025 NBA Draft. With captivating explosiveness and two-way promise, this rookie should fit magnificently with speedy/crafty point guard Tyrese Maxey. Besides adding a new layer to their offensive attack, which on its own is worthy of celebration, Philly also shored up its depth by snagging All-American center Johni Broome early in the second round. Shutting down Embiid was probably the organization's best chance at ever seeing the big man return to MVP-form, but he is going to miss time. Sixers head coach Nick Nurse will want to preserve his health as much as possible, which means a trustworthy backup is essential. I will not deny the obvious red flags that stick to Broome. He has limited athleticism, can struggle to defend in space, shot just 60.3 percent from the free throw line during his college career and is still a largely unreliable shooter from distance. However, and this is important, the 2025 SEC Player of the Year is much more skilled than he was getting credit for in the lead-up to the draft. Broome has made notable strides as a passer, displays deft footwork in the low-post area, is a monster on the glass and is an effective shot-blocker. He will not be able to impose his will on opponents in the NBA like he did while playing for Auburn — 18.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.1 rejections per contest last season — but the 22-year-old is incredibly durable and dedicated to his craft. The 76ers were wise not to turn those attributes down. Advertisement While it may sound crazy, when surveying the injury-ravaged Eastern Conference, this group should have a legitimate chance to vie for an NBA Finals appearance during the 2025-26 campaign. Philadelphia must overcome its own health issues, but if it does, then these new additions are going to look even better. Spurs continue to build up their resources Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Similar to the Mavericks, the San Antonio Spurs do not deserve much praise for taking the consensus best player available at No. 2. However, when combining the size and physicality that Dylan Harper brings on offense with the high defensive ceiling that Carter Bryant boasts, it is hard not to feel enthusiastic about this team's draft loot. Advertisement Both incoming rookies have notable drawbacks — Harper's modest 33.3 percent 3-point shooting is not ideal for a Spurs squad that already struggles in that area and Bryant only logged 19.3 minutes per game at Arizona — but their respective physical gifts and abilities should mesh nicely in San Antonio. The former Rutgers guard diced through defenders and into the paint with regularity, while the 3-and-D wing progressed as the season went on. Victor Wembanyama is a superstar-in-the-making, De'Aaron Fox is a former All-Star and Stephon Castle is a prototypical glue guy. Together they form an ostensibly sturdy foundation for the Spurs to build upon in the years to come. The newcomers could add even more long-term stability. If Harper can expand his offensive repertoire a bit, something that will have to happen with De'Aaron Fox manning point guard duties, then this backcourt could be downright lethal. Bryant will be more of a project, which is not a huge problem given San Antonio's developmental timetable, but his 3-point prowess should eventually prove extremely useful. Put simply, it is all coming together for one of the most intriguing franchises in the NBA today. The Spurs are trying to implement their own version of the Oklahoma City Thunder model. They are a long, long way from reaching that standard, but they are gradually trending in the right direction. It is time for the growth to reveal itself in the standings, though. Hawks may have committed one of the biggest heists in recent NBA Draft history It did not take long for first-year general manager Onsi Saleh to cement his reputation as one of the biggest bandits in the league. The Atlanta Hawks executive, at first glance, ruthlessly robbed the New Orleans Pelicans during the first round of the NBA Draft. He convinced championship-winning president of basketball operations Joe Dumars to trade an unprotected 2026 first-rounder and the No. 23 overall pick just for the right to move up 10 spots on Wednesday. Advertisement Although Maryland center Derik Queen posted stellar numbers as a freshman, he does not jump out as the surefire talent that one needs to be to justify giving up a potential top-five pick in next year's draft. Moreover, many analysts actually prefer the player the Hawks snatched at No. 23, who just so happens to be Queen's ex-teammate from Florida's Montverde Academy. Asa Newell embodies the traits that many modern-day front offices desire in a forward. He is exceptionally versatile on defense and bounces off the court on offense. With Trae Young's top-notch playmaking and Dyson Daniels' active hands, Georgia's 2024-25 leading scorer could become a fast-break menace in Atlanta. He is a dunk machine who scouts believe has the touch to blossom into a dependable deep threat. I am not going to let him off the hook for a dismal 29.2 3-point shooting percentage, however. Yes, he is only 19 and has plenty of time to tweak his mechanics. And yes, he is a fine addition to the Hawks' transition offense. But I still need to see him withstand more imposing frontcourts before labeling him a hidden gem. Still, his undeniable potential, coupled with Saleh's masterful negotiating, earns the Hawks a spot on this list. They are heading toward a pivotal campaign that may determine Young's future standing with the team, but fans will be interested to watch it all unfold after a lively start to the offseason. Related: 10 greatest one-on-one NBA players of all time, ranked Related: 10 NBA teams that have produced the most MVPs
Scottish Sun
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Watford player of the season Imran Louza hands in transfer request after falling out with new manager in his first week
After struggling initially last season Louza flourished under Cleverley, even captaining the team LOSE LOUZ Watford player of the season Imran Louza hands in transfer request after falling out with new manager in his first week WATFORD midfielder Imran Louza wants to leave the club after a fall-out with the new head coach. Uruguayan boss Paulo Pezzolano has only just taken over at Vicarage Road from Tom Cleverley but after an exchange of views with the new manager, Louza - last season's player of the year - has told the Hornets he is looking to find another club. Advertisement 2 Imran Louza wants to leave Watford Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 2 The midfielder has fallen out with new boss Paulo Pezzolano Credit: Getty Owner Gino Pozzo had been hoping to keep hold of the Moroccan international, along with the likes of Giorgi Chakvetadze and Kwadwo Baah, in an attempt to try and challenge for at least a Championship play-off spot. But a week into the reign of Pezzolano, Louza has told club officials that he is looking at other options. Louza joined from Nantes in 2021 for £9million but is now worth about £12m. He signed a new contract in 2023 with his deal running to 2028. Advertisement READ MORE ON FOOTBALL CAR CRASH Fans claim Carabao Cup draw is 'rigged' as huge derby clash is handed out Louza made 33 appearances, scored twice and picked up five assists last season having improved under Cleverley who left the club at the end of the campaign. Prior to that, Louza had spent half a season out on loan at Lorient and seemed set to leave Watford. However, after struggling initially last term Louza flourished under Cleverley, even captaining the team. Following new boss Pezzolano's arrival at Vicarage Road last month, Sporting Director Gian Luca Nani said: "Paulo has a hugely impressive track record working with young players, which is essential when you look at the age profile of our squad. Advertisement CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS "He has had success at virtually every club, including league titles and promotions, but it is his work on the training ground that impressed the most when we undertook our research. "He has innovative ideas and processes which he transmits passionately to the players. Christian Norgaard to Arsenal LATEST | Transfers Exposed "We believe Paulo is the leader we need as we refocus ahead of the new season. Advertisement "He is fully aware of our ambitions and determination to push for promotion and embraces that challenge."
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hornets rumors: Interest in Kon Knueppel ‘overstated' amid Ace Bailey, trade buzz
The post Hornets rumors: Interest in Kon Knueppel 'overstated' amid Ace Bailey, trade buzz appeared first on ClutchPoints. With the Charlotte Hornets having the fourth overall pick in the NBA Draft, which commences on Wednesday night, there are a few options that have been linked to the team besides the option of them trading out of the spot. While Duke's Kon Knueppel has been linked to the Hornets, there shouldn't be fans who believe he will be a lock for the selection at the spot. Advertisement According to the latest 'NBA Draft Big Board' from ClutchPoints' NBA Insider Brett Siegel, he would say that the interest from Charlotte in Knueppel is 'overstated.' Siegel would express that there is some interest in the Blue Devils prospect, but that the Hornets like the idea of moving down and 'gathering future assets.' 'What about the Hornets? League sources say Charlotte has navigated the pre-draft cycle with multiple smokescreens and that their interest in selecting Kon Knueppel, a popular choice for the fourth pick, has been overstated,' Siegel wrote. 'While the Hornets do hold interest in Knueppel, many are downplaying the idea of them taking him so high instead of trading down a few spots and gathering future assets.' Hornets are looking at the status of Ace Bailey John Jones-Imagn Images Another player that has been connected to the Hornets is Rutgers star Ace Bailey, who has been an interesting storyline heading into the NBA Draft. Specifically looking at Charlotte, if the team were to stay at the fourth spot and Bailey is available, that is more likely to be the pick due to the talent at 18 years old. Advertisement 'That is why many are beginning to connect the dots of Charlotte potentially taking Bailey despite the 18-year-old's camp suggesting he wants to play for the Wizards, Pelicans, or Nets,' Siegel wrote. 'Many teams don't care what the draftees necessarily want, and they are going to take the best player available. This could be the line of thinking for the Hornets and executive Jeff Peterson on Wednesday if Bailey were to fall to them.' 'Of course, the Hornets have also actively been engaged in trade calls with teams inquiring about this fourth pick, which adds another layer of mystery to where Bailey will ultimately end up, assuming the 76ers pass on him,' Siegel continued. 'The 2025 NBA Draft starts with the 76ers and how far Bailey falls on the draft board.' The Hornets' draft plans have been wrapped in 'uncertainty' as Jake Fischer of The Stein Line said last week, but it will be figured out once the NBA Draft starts on Wednesday night. Related: Hornets rumors: Charlotte 'all ears' on LaMelo Ball, other player trades Related: 2025 NBA Mock Draft 4.0: Latest intel after Kevin Durant trade shakes up top 10
